Best of the City 2018

View the full feature in the January/February 2018 Evansville Living issue.

Take a bite out of Evansville! From juicy burgers and delectable pies to local artisans and shops, we present this year’s Best of the City, selected by the readers and editors of Evansville Living.

Eye-Mart Reader's Pick

Place to Buy Eyewear

Seeing is believing when it comes to good eyewear, which is why Eye-Mart was voted the Best Place to Buy Eyewear. The two Evansville locations offer lenses that can be made onsite, with 95 percent of glasses made the same day. Eye-Mart also carries contacts, sunglasses, and safety glasses.

In June, La Campirana opened its fruit and ice cream shop attached to the authentic Mexican restaurant and has won over the community (and Evansville Living staff) with their anything-but-vanilla flavors.

The shop offers fruit-related items from ice cream and popsicles to smoothies and fruit salads with flavors not commonly found in the U.S. like guanábana (soursop), tamarind, sweet corn, and guava. Owners Ezequiel Campos and Abraham Brown say customer favorites are the strawberries and cream, spicy mangonada smoothie, and tequila ice cream.

While the shop offers flavors familiar to the U.S., like strawberry, pineapple, mango, and watermelon, the goal is to broaden the horizon of Evansville’s palate.

“What is satisfying is seeing their faces and transporting them to Mexico without having to leave home,” says Campos.

Quantity and quality — that’s what readers love about the bourbon selection at Fidel’s Bourbon Bar and Cigar Lounge. Open since November 2016, the speakeasy-inspired bar above Walton’s International Comfort Food offers 165 premium bourbons — one of the largest selections in southern Indiana.

“We have a selection of premium bourbon and scotches no one else has,” says owner Tim Mills. “We are a high-end bar, and we created a space that’s a great gathering space for groups.”

Along with a diverse selection of scotch and bourbon, Fidel’s also offers a wine room, featuring premium wines, and recently opened its cigar room.

Emily Gartner has been dabbling in textile design since she was 12 years old. The Evansville artist began by using old pairs of jeans to make handbags for her sisters.

Today, Gartner has a studio and boutique near Haynie’s Corner where she sells her wearable art designs, featuring prints from photographs of local landmarks, nature, and abstract art from umbrellas to boots.

“I wanted to portray something people see all the time and don’t realize they drive by it all the time,” says Gartner. “When people see it on the wearable art, they look at it so differently. It’s engaging them on a very nontraditional level.”

Rumjahn Gallery in Downtown Evansville displays the talents of many artists in the area, but the idea for the business started with co-owner Tina Rumjahn’s interest in custom framing.

“I thought a gallery would go hand-in-hand with that very well,” she says. “I knew there was a huge talent of artists in this community, so my husband Howie and I reached out to local artists we knew.”

The gallery features about 15 artists in its space each month, with local artists displayed alongside several national artists. Works range from various types of paintings to sculptors, jewelry, pottery, and more.

A proud West-Sider, Bob Swallows saw a need for a fitness facility on his home side of town when Gold’s Gym Downtown shuttered its doors; so he decided to start his own. A bit of planning (and wearing down his parents) led to the first Bob’s Gym location, operating out of a 5,000-square-foot pole barn 25 years ago. Today, Bob and his crew operate four multi-purpose locations, a CrossFit 8085 studio, and offer Perfectly Fresh meal options for Evansvillians to get and stay fit. Two Bob’s employees — personal trainer Tony Maslan and massage therapist Troy Peachee — also have Best Of honors; they were voted best fitness instructor and best massage therapist in the 2017 poll.

Nom! Nom! Strom! Strom! Give us an original Stromboli from Pizza King any day! In Evansville and Newburgh, Indiana, this well-known eatery is the place to stop for a mouth-watering strom. Family-owned, Pizza King also offers up a variety of different types of tasty sandwiches as well as another traditional River City favorite — thin crust pizza. While three locations serve the area, Pizza King also delivers their stroms nationwide. A box of eight can be shipped anywhere in the U.S.!

With eight Best Of nods since 2004, readers agree when they need a special jewelry piece, they look to nab an iconic Little Green Box from Brinker’s Jewelers.

“We are professional but very laid-back and customers feel very comfortable,” says Brinker’s chief financial officer and chief marketing officer Kyle Brinker. “Our goal is to pick out jewelry and carry brands not available in other local jewelry stores.”

The selection at Brinker’s ranges from custom diamonds and fashion jewelry to watches and Swiss Army products.

Photographer Tiffany York is in love with love, which isn’t a surprise to our readers who voted her best photographer.
“When I got married, I liked the whole photo experience, the different shots you could do, and the creativity,” says York. “My husband supported me and encouraged me to buy my first camera, and I eventually started doing it full time.”
The business — named after her two pugs who were her first models — started in 2010 and focuses on weddings but has started to branch out into newborn photography as well.
“With the newborn photos, it’s all come full circle,” says York. “The couples I photographed weddings for are having children and coming back to me. It’s great.”

Last October, more than 2,000 runners and walkers participated in the 14th annual Evansville Half Marathon hosted by the YMCA of Southwestern Indiana. The race runs through areas of Evansville like Garvin Park and the Pigeon Creek Greenway before ending at the riverfront near the Four Freedoms Monument. Funds raised through the run provide scholarships and programs for local kids.

Edgewater Grille’s motto is “come for the food, stay for the view.” And it’s clear Evansville Living readers take this to heart. It’s not difficult to keep with the riverside restaurant’s adage with its vast views of the Ohio River tucked on the banks of historic downtown Newburgh, Indiana. Owner and chef Jacquie Schen is clear, however, that the only thing better than the view is the food and experience offered at Edgewater Grille.

“It all works together with the river,” she says. “We love our guests to enjoy the many personalities of our river and our sunsets. It makes me happy to see that happen.”

If you’re in need of a manicure and pedicure, massage, facial, makeup, or hair styling, Evansville Living readers suggest treating yourself at Fusion Spa and Boutique. Also voted Best Place For Spa Services in last year’s Best of Evansville poll, the boutique’s wide array of treatments and customer service keep clients coming back.

From small acorns, large oaks certainly grow and for the last 97 years, the West Side Nut Club has indeed grown in Evansville. Founded in 1921 by a group of businessmen and merchants on the city’s West Side to rally for the interests of their part of town, the organization continues to be a melting pot of individuals simply working for the betterment of the city. While it’s hard to not immediately think of the “famous” Fall Festival when the group is mentioned, the Nut Club also hosts Easter egg hunts, cruise-ins, the annual Santa Land on Franklin Street, and many other events throughout the year.

With its National Historic Landmark West Baden Springs Hotel and French Lick Springs Hotel, Pete Dye gold course, casino, spa amenities, wooded trails, French Lick West Baden Museum, Big Splash indoor water park, and Wilstem Ranch, it isn’t hard to see why readers love heading to French Lick and West Baden, Indiana.

“It’s an easy drive to a different world, steeped in its own unique and fascinating history,” says Steve Rondinaro, marketing manager for French Lick Resort.“

Evansville welcomed many to the city during 2017, but none probably were as cute and unique as Rupert. A three-year-old Indian rhino, Rupert made the trek from Oklahoma City Zoo to Mesker Park in November, becoming the second rhino to join the Evansville zoo’s ranks (Mechi, a 31-year-old black-horned rhino, has called Mesker home since 2009).

Rupert’s journey came about as part of Mesker’s work with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, which helps zoos across the country with conservation and breeding programs, says Mesker Park marketing director Kelley Weis. In the future, Mesker hopes to breed Rupert with another female rhino.

“It took several months to get him here. There are a lot of preparations that go into a move like that; getting him used to crates and the separation,” she says.

Though he’s only been in the River City for a few months, he’s already become a popular stop for visitors to the zoo.

When it comes to the traditional Japanese cuisine of sushi, Evansville is not short on places to try. But it’s the East Side and Downtown locations of Zuki where our readers flock to get their roll fix. Celebrating 10 years in the Tri-State this year, Zuki offers many well-known rolls and sashimi pieces along with a long list of specialty rolls. If sushi isn’t your game, Zuki plates up popular hibachi dishes as well.

Old Fashioned Butcher Shoppe owners and brothers Chris Baumgart and Michael Baehl are experts when it comes to quality cuts of meat. Growing up in the family business, located on Stringtown Road, gave them first-hand experience on providing top-notch selections and service to residents and restaurants.

“You ask little kids what they want to be and they say a police officer or firefighter; I used to say I wanted to be a butcher,” says Baumgart.

As the butcher shop celebrates its 35th anniversary this year, the brothers say providing the best service and quality are standards they will continue to live by.

Since opening in November 2016, Bru Burger has made a major impact on the Downtown Evansville restaurant scene. The upscale burger joint, located in the iconic Greyhound Bus Terminal, plates up specialty chef burgers, like the Beginning Burger, Mexicali BBQ Burger, and Bru Burger, with creative toppings.

“The original draw for customers is the building, and the response in Evansville has been better than expected,” said general manager Jeff Schuessler.

Along with its unique burgers, the restaurant also dishes out salads, appetizers, and desserts with an extensive list of beer, wine, signature cocktails, bourbon, scotch, and whiskey.

“We’ve had a lot of customers come in and tell us how the bus station has been a part of their lives,” says Schuessler. “We’re glad to be in the Downtown area, which is on an upswing. It’s the place to be.”

For the care of their pets, readers leash up the family best friend and make a trip to Give A Dog A Bone. Owners Liz and Quincy Zikmund took over ownership of the natural pet food market in 2015 and expanded the store space in early 2017. It was their love of dogs (the couple have three pugs) that brought them to Give A Dog A Bone, and it is that love which drives them to provide the community with healthy, natural food selections for both dogs and cats.

“We’re not really interested in just selling products. We want to educate and inform people, teach them how to read ingredient labels and what’s good for their pets,” says Quincy. The store also offers fun décor items, accessories for pets, and toys.

If music is on, Kana Brown is going to dance — which is why The Beauty Room Evansville and Love IT! EVV magazine owner was voted the best person to liven up a party.

Brown’s tip on how to talk to everyone at the party? Head to the back of the room as soon as you walk through the door and work your way to the front. If you get held up at the front, it’s harder to make your rounds through the whole party.

“I like to make sure everyone feels included,” she says. “Introductions are a big part of making people feel welcome, as it’s such an easy way to find a common ground. I always like to ask how people know the host — the funnier and more embarrassing, the better. A good laugh always brings people together.”.

From founding the Franklin Street Events Association to advocating for a Downtown trolley service, Amy Word-Smith loves Evansville and she’s not afraid to show it. Though the local business owner and community advocate stepped down from her position at the FSEA last year, she has not slowed down her efforts in helping Evansville expand and tackle important issues for residents and other business owners.

No matter how you slice it, Evansville Living readers love Pie Pan. The restaurant has been serving up its classic dishes for the last 45 years, but recently underwent a remodel after new owners Jackie Weil, Gary Wilson, and two private investors took over from previous owner Libby Lear.

While the restaurant now has a fresh, new look, the classic recipes and dishes have remained the same. Pie Pan offers 27 different flavors of pie and serves up 14 flavors daily in the restaurant along with other desserts like cakes, danishes, muffins, and cinnamon rolls.

“We know many of our customers by name, and we’re involved in their lives,” says Weil. “They’re not just customers. They’re Pie Pan family.”

Evansville natives Clint Hoskins, left, and Jared Neible, right, met during a chance encounter in Panama City, Florida, in 2006. Now 11 years later, the friends have opened High Score Saloon, a 21 and older arcade, on Main Street. “We just wanted a laid back place where having a drink wasn’t the only thing you were doing,” says Hoskins.

The beer joint and arcade offers 12 pinball machines, 18 arcade games, eight taps of rotating craft beer, popcorn, hot dogs, soft pretzels, chips, Totino’s pizza, and a healthy dose of nostalgia. The pair also hope to bring a younger demographic to the Downtown area and contribute to Main Street’s development.

“I’d love at the end of the day to know we helped Downtown Evansville grow,” says Hoskins.

Whether it’s a quick pick-me up, specialty espresso, or soothing cuppa tea, readers choose Penny Lane to stay caffeinated and satisf ied. It’s not only the variety of drink options that keeps the coffeehouse’s fans coming back. The shop also offers breakfast, brunch, and lunch options (many of which are vegan, organic, or fair trade) to keep the hunger pains away while getting your jolt of the day.

Lamasco has a reputation of being a great place for music-lovers, touting at least 250 shows throughout the year. And while the Franklin Street spot won last year’s Best Of categories for Best Live Music Venue and Best Bar, this year it claims the title of Best Local Tavern. Its menu covers all the tavern basics, from pizza and wings to burgers and philly steak sandwiches, and features a popular breakfast selection as well. And like any local tavern favorite, Lamasco has a signature cocktail menu and bar specials.

When turning on the radio, readers make sure their dials are set to HOT 96. From Claire and the HOT 96 Morning Show to hosts Drake Meredith and Clay Roth, the station has garnered fans for its local sound and feel.

“I think we have great dynamic personalities who work at our station, and you can tell when you listen,” says the station’s brand manager Mat Murdock. “We genuinely care when we have good interactions with listeners.”

Since 1982, 96.1 WSTO has serviced the Tri-State, sharing music from Top 40 artists and information on local news and events.

“We have a lot of energy and enthusiasm, and we have a lot of passion for what we do,” says Murdock. “It’s kind of that ‘work hard, play hard’ mentality.”

On a nice, sunny day when the mood for a picnic strikes, readers pack their baskets and blankets and head to Burdette Park. The 170 acres of rolling grounds was established in 1936 and offers one of the largest aquatic centers in the Midwest. Along with grounds and shelter houses, the park also features an Olympic pool with two diving boards, a family pool, children’s pool, and spray park.

When it’s time to walk down the aisle, Evansville Living readers want it to be a walk in the park — specifically at the Discovery Lodge in Burdette Park. The rustic and wooded setting of the Discovery Lodge accommodates up to 650 guests, with other facilities at the park able to hold up to 1,000 guests.

When deciding which steakhouse is a cut above the rest, readers picked the sizzling dish from Cork N’ Cleaver. The former chain and now independently owned restaurant first served up its classic hand-cut steak in Evansville in 1974. Since 2001, Cork has been owned and operated by Steve Bennett, who has preserved the menu that made the establishment a success from the beginning.

For unique gifts or ones with an Evansville flair, readers take a trip Downtown to River City Mercantile & Coffee Co. The shop was born out of a love for Evansville and a want to showcase makers in the area, says Heather Vaught, who co-owns the shop with her husband Clint.

“River City has been able to be a one-stop shop to get a great cup of coffee and something from home,” she says. “Perfect for those out-of-town guests, a person who has moved away, someone new to town, or someone wanting to show their love of our great city.”

The shop near the corner of Main and Third streets features more than 50 makers from Evansville and all over the U.S. and has a diverse selection, from home goods to T-shirts and homemade cards.

“I think shopping local is the most impactful way to invest in your community,” says Heather. “We constantly are getting in new inventory and discovering new, unique, and quality makers. We have so many talented people in our community and I think it is important they are highlighted.”

Whether it is through the gourmet menu at Just Rennie’s Catering or mound-of-dough cookies at Just Rennie’s Cookie Company, readers know chef Doug Rennie is at the top of the food chain. (They also chose Rennie as Best Chef in 2016.) Rennie’s wife Marla began the catering company in 2003 and was so successful Rennie left his position as executive chef at Victoria National Golf Club to help in the business. Today, Just Rennie’s shares fine dining at private events and in its Tuscan Wine Room.

In Evansville, ice cream is synonymous with Lic’s — the locally-operated shop has consistently won this Best Of slot, most recently in 2014 when readers bestowed the honor of best ice cream shop and best place to get a milkshake to Lic’s. Founded in 1950 as Lloyd’s Ice Cream, present-day owner Don Smith and his crew churn out fresh ice cream in Downtown Evansville each day. You can choose from more than 20 different flavors, but don’t forget the Choco Crèmes, a favorite among the Evansville Living staff.

It’s a flurry of pink every September on Evansville’s East Side when the runners, walkers, family members, friends, and breast cancer survivors and warriors take to the streets during Komen Evansville Tri-State’s Race for the Cure. With numbers in the thousands — around 6,000 for the 20th annual race in 2017 — the race is about more than just raising funds for breast cancer research; it also becomes about support, remembrance, and comfort for those who are battling the disease. To date, Evansville’s chapter of Komen, through various efforts including Race for the Cure, has raised more than $7.8 million in community breast health programs.

In development since 2013, the new DoubleTree by Hilton hotel opened on Valentine’s Day last year. With its proximity to Downtown attractions and venues such as Old National Events Plaza, Ford Center, and Victory Theatre, the hotel is an important part of Evansville’s re-emergence into the convention market.

“We love being a part of the community and being a part of the resurgence and growth,” says DoubleTree director of sales and marketing Mary Beth Lewis.

Schnucks may be based in St. Louis, but the grocery store is the go-to for many Evansville residents in need; from a quick trip for a loaf of bread to grocery needs for an entire week. The first stores to open in the River City were on Washington and First avenues in 1977. Today, Schnucks touts six markets in the Tri-State, including a new space on Washington Avenue in the Lawndale shopping complex. Don’t want to make that trip into the store for your groceries? Schnucks has expanded their business by offering a delivery service, which is available at the Evansville locations.

* Six locations throughout Evansville and Newburgh, Indiana. 812-473-0151. schnucks.com.

Single Thread Boutique

Ladies BoutiqueReaders' Pick

Shopping at Single Thread Boutique is about more than just picking out a great new blouse or dress — though the shop on Evansville’s East Side has claimed the top spot for best ladies boutique. It’s also about connecting and the community, says owner Sara Durcholz.

“I want each customer to feel like they are getting an experience when they walk through the doors, whether it’s being greeted by a familiar face, talking about their kid’s birthday party, or needing help finding clothes for a family vacation,” she says. “I love getting messages from customers on how they felt their best friend was shopping with them.”

Single Thread operates under a philosophy of inviting shoppers in for a single item or two, as the name suggests, and strives to offer brands not normally found in shops.

“I want our customers to trust when they come in our doors, they’ll see something new and refreshing,” says Durcholz.